Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout (Idyllwild, CA)
| In This Guide |
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| Total Distance | 8 miles (12.9 km) |
| Hike Time | 4-5 Hours (Total) |
| Difficulty (?) | Hard |
| Total Ascent (?) | 2,820 feet (860m) |
| Highest Elevation | 7,772 feet (2369m) |
| Fees & Permits | None |
| Dogs Allowed | Leashed |
| Alerts & Closures (?) | San Jacinto Ranger District |
| Park Phone | 909-382-2921 |
Located just outside of Idyllwild, CA in San Bernardino National Forest, the Black Mountain Trail hike to the fire lookout is a hidden gem. Often overshadowed by hikes like Tahquitz, it offers a healthy mountain climb, great panoramic views, a fire lookout, AND a secret grove of Giant Sequoia trees. You heard that correctly.
Getting to the Trailhead
First off, there are about 50 million “Black Mountain Trails” out there, so make sure you are using the one designated as 2E35 in San Bernardino National Forest before the GPS routes you to South Dakota. Use this trailhead address:
Black Mountain Trail 2E35, 4S57, 2E35, Banning, CA 92220
There are no bathrooms or water at the trailhead.
Gear For the Hike
The trail is a legit mountain climb, so you should use proper hiking gear on this hike. Trekking poles help you going up and down the steep slopes. Like most of the high mountains of Southern California, in the summer it can get very hot, and in the winter the trail can be covered with snow. Check the conditions before you go.
I try a lot of hiking boots and shoes, and there are some great options out there, but the La Sportiva Spire is the best combination of comfort, protection, low-weight, and durability. They are waterproof, and the high cuff keeps debris out without the need for a gaiter. Time tested over thousands of miles. Use them with a two-layer sock system to end blisters for good.
Reviews & Lowest Prices: Women – Men
On a medium or longer hike I recommend a pack like the Osprey Talon 33 (men) or Osprey Sirrus 36 (women) which is a little bit larger. These packs are on the upper end of the (35L) daypack range, but they only weigh a small fraction more than a pack with less capacity. Having the extra space gives you more flexibility and means you don’t have to jam things in there. I use the space for things like extra layers in the winter, extra water on desert hikes, and even a tent & sleeping bag on overnights.
If you’re not familiar with the Garmin InReach technology, it allows you to send and receive text messages where you don’t have cell phone signals. You can also get weather reports and trigger an SOS to emergency responders. Even if you don’t have an emergency, sending a quick message telling a loved one that you’re okay or are running late is well worth the cost. The Mini fits in your palm and weighs next to nothing. Read my review and see the lowest prices and reviews at REI (or Amazon).
Here’s my complete gear list that I personally use, have tested, and recommend, updated September 2020.
My September 2020 Top Gear Picks
No company pays me to promote or push a product, all the gear you see here is gear I use and recommend. If you click an a link and buy gear, I get a small commission that helps offset website expenses. There is no cost to you.
Black Mountain Trail Maps
Overall the trail is easy to follow, except for the last small stretch before the summit. The trail can get mildly overgrown in places during the spring.
Download the Hike GPX FileView a Printable PDF Hike Map
Your best move to navigate this hike is to take a paper map, compass, and a GPS device. Load the GPX track from this hike onto your GPS to ensure that you’re on the trail. I’m a big fan of GPS watches; I just glance down at it to cross-check my position and use paper when I want a deeper dive. The GPS watch that I’m using now is the Fenix 6 Pro Solar (price: REI or Amazon). It’s pricey but has a great battery, accurate GPS, and tons of other wellness, fitness, and smart-watch applications. For a more affordable option, check out the value-packed Garmin Instinct (price: REI or Amazon), a similar watch without some of the features. There are also great smartphone GPS apps like GaiaGPS. If you end up getting GaiaGPS premium, I’ve arranged for a 20-40% discount for my readers.
Elevation Profile
3d Map
Hike Brief
- A fire tower has been on Black Mountain (7,772 feet) since 1926, but the one you see now was built in 1962. It’s staffed by volunteers and you can usually go up and have a look around, but please be polite and respectful.
- There are 50 “Black Mountains” in the geographic registry for California. The official name of this peak is “Black Mountain #1” since it’s the tallest of the 8 “Black Mountains” in southern California.
- There are some good bouldering spots along the Black Mountain Trail. Look for hikers with big mats on their back. They are going bouldering.
- The trailhead is close to the fire station, which is home to the Vista Grande Hotshots, and you can sometimes see them training on this trail. They hike up and down carrying their fire gear. Those guys are tough.
- Okay, let’s talk about the giant sequoias. In 1974 in nearby Hall Canyon, there was a fire, and afterwards the Forest Service planted about 150 giant sequoias there. Today they are growing, scattered around the Black Mountain Trail. Don’t expect to see huge trees like Grizzly Giant, but if you know what to look for, you can spot some. If you want a full rundown of all the tree positions and their (re)discovery, read this study by Mena and Rudold Schmid.
Black Mountain Trail to the Fire Lookout Hike Directions
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Video Directions
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Turn by Turn Directions
On some maps you’ll see the Cinco Poses Trail coming in from the right. Don’t look for it. Whatever was there is long overgrown.
You can also just skip the campground and head back the way you came up.
Did something change on this hike? If so, please contact me and let me know. I'll update the guide.
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